Es Canar is only a 45 minute drive away from enjoying a beautiful tour of the beaches on the western coast of Ibiza, where you’ll find some of the island’s most famous shores. The perfect plan to spend the day swimming, snorkelling, paddle boarding, eating by the sea and even watching the sunset.
More jagged than the eastern coast, the western side of Ibiza has some of the most stunning unspoilt coves on the island, some of them enhanced by the islets that crop out opposite them. Here you’ll find a choice of sandy beaches (like Cala Tarida) or shingle beaches (Cala Molí), to make up a diverse coastline where families, young people and solitary bathers will find the beach that best suits their preferences.
Start of the tour: from Cala d´Hort to Cala Tarida
We prefer starting this route from the southwest to avoid the crowds flowing into Cala d´Hort at sunset, which would happen if we begin the route at Cala Bassa, for example. The imposing presence of Es Vedrà, the famous islet cropping out opposite the beach, has turned this spot and the surrounding cliffs, a hotspot during summer sunsets. We advise you to not wait for the sunset from this beach, as no access is allowed to the private plots of land around it and the lack of parking spaces is a hassle for walkers and drivers.
Cala d´Hort: a beach with a view and crystal-clear waters
At the foot of low cliffs, this beach is sandy in some areas and pebbly in others, which adds charm to this cove that also has a set of well-preserved fishing huts. You’ll be able to park on a plot of land adapted for this purpose and then simply walk down the trail to the cove. Remember: The currents at Cala d´Hort tend to draw in jelly fish. You can check if any have been spotted that day or on the previous days from specialised apps, like Medusas Ibiza.
Cala d´Hort. © NC / Isla Elefanta
Cala Molí: a quiet spot to go snorkelling
Only a 10 minute drive northwards you’ll find Cala Molí, far less crowded than other coves in the area. Why? Because its beach and seabed are mostly pebbles. This pretty cove is great for those who don't mind swimming in water shoes or the lack of sand to stretch their towel. Perfect for a dip with a snorkelling mask before resuming the tour and heading towards the next beach.
Cala Tarida: a kid-friendly beach with a great local vibe
Head north and in 5 minutes you’ll reach Cala Tarida. This beach is wider and longer and it’s divided into two areas by rocks. It’s very popular, so it’s pretty busy all summer. The waters are calm and shallow, so it’s a great option for a long swim with the kids before lunch.
Cala Moli. © NC / Isla Elefanta
Heading on to the afternoon: from Cala Bassa to Cala Saladeta
This stretch boasts three of the most famous beaches in Ibiza given their crystal-clear waters and their beautiful hues. If you want to explore the western coast on different days, we suggest you visit this stretch in the morning, starting with Cala Salada and Cala Saladeta. If you’re only planning to spend one day on the western coast, best go in the afternoon.
Cala Bassa, a natural pool to paddle at leisure
After lunch, head over to Cala Bassa. It’s easy to reach and has a large car park, although it’s completely packed at the height of summer. Why? Its unspoilt fine-sand beach with crystal-clear waters and surrounded by woods of pine trees and juniper trees.
Cala Bassa. © NC / Isla Elefanta
Platges de Comte and the sunset between islets
Only 10 minutes from Cala Bossa, this place is made up of three coves, some with white sand and others with shingles. The hue of its water has made it one of the most pictured spots in Ibiza, so don’t expect to be alone. The sunset is the top star as it hides between the several islets cropping out on the horizon: s’Illa des Bosc and the islets of Ponent and s’Espartar.
Cala Saladeta: the last swim of the day
If you don’t want to wait for the Platges de Comte sunset, go over to admire the stunning picture formed by Cala Salada and Cala Saladeta and enjoy the last swim of the day. These beaches, with limited car access until 6pm is very popular among bathers all day long and many of them come by bus or boat. Late afternoon is a good time to dip into the water at Cala Saladeta with its sandy seabed, and then maybe have dinner at the Cala Salada restaurant, one of the good old restaurants that remains on the western coast of Ibiza.
Five restaurants to eat (well) during your tour
- El Carmen and Cala d´Hort, the two restaurants on Cala d´Hort beach. Perfect if you want paella or another rice dish looking over at Es Vedrà.
- Can Yucas (Cala Tarida): a favourite among the beach regulars in search of Med food, including rice dishes and fish.
- S'Espartar (road from Sant Josep to Cala Tarida): traditional Ibizan restaurant known for its bullit de peix.
- Ses Roques (Platges de Comte): To end the trip with dinner on the seafront and a view of s’illa des Bosc islet.
Platges de Comte. © NC / Isla Elefanta
Stay on the eastern coast of Ibiza and enjoy the authentic Ibiza
Our quiet, modern 4-star hotel is perfect to explore the eastern coast of the island as it’s in Es Canar, only a few minutes’ walk from the beach and a short drive from the most beautiful beaches on the eastern coast of Ibiza, as well as hippy flea markets and quaint villages, like Santa Eulària and Sant Carles. Book your hotel in Ibiza at the best rate by booking directly from our website. You’ll get the best price guarantee and extra benefits.
See you soon!
Main picture: Cala d´Hort. © NC / Isla Elefanta
